DUSHANBE, Tajikistan (APP) - All is set for a quadrilateral summit meeting between the leaders of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Russia here Thursday, which will focus on joint efforts for peace and security in the region and for increased cooperation in the areas of trade, communication, transportation and energy. The leaders of these four countries will deliberate on the ways and means to promote regional and trans-regional cooperation to tackle the challenges of terrorism, drug trafficking, illicit weapons etc, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told the state run agency here Tuesday. The summit meeting will also strengthen the trade and economic cooperation for mutual benefit of the people in the region, the FM added. Besides the quadrilateral meeting, the FM said, a trilateral meeting between the leaders of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan is also on cards which is very important in the regional context, with particular reference to peace and security in the region and for extended cooperation in the fields of trade and energy. On the bilateral front, Qureshi said, President Zardari will hold wide-ranging discussions with the Tajik leadership for strengthening their bilateral ties and cooperation in various economic fields including trade, communication, energy, investment etc. During the visit, the two sides are also expected to sign three agreements including the cooperation between the foreign ministries of Pakistan and Tajikistan for diplomatic training, framework agreement between the two chambers of commerce and industry for trade promotion, and the exchange of instruments of ratification on reciprocity for the promotion and protection of investments. To a question about the energy cooperation in the wake of electricity shortage in Pakistan, the FM said, the bilateral as well as the trilateral meetings will also help advance the proposed CASA 1000 MW project, under which 700km transmission line would be established from Tajikistan to Pakistan via Afghanistan at a cost of US$800 million. The World Bank already offered to fund this project during President Zardaris last visit to the US, he said. Tajikistan with its hydel resources and energy potential has surplus power and Pakistan facing power shortage due to economic growth, the project will be a win-win for both the countries and economies. The FM said the visit of President Zardari to Tajikistan will help revive Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhuttos initiative of increased cooperation and relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) for mutual economic development. Pakistan due to its geo-strategic location provides shortest possible access and seaports to the land-locked CARs including Tajikistan. Pakistan, he said, can export cement, construction material and consumer goods to Tajikistan. Similarly, Qureshi said, a likely bilateral meeting with the President of Russian Federation will help further strengthen ties between the two countries. Russia having its influence in Central Asia as well as stake in peace and stability can play an important role for increased cooperation in the region.